Apple rolled out iOS 11 last week, bringing both minor changes and major tweaks to its latest operating system, available on devices as far back as the iPhone 5S.Along with an updated Notes app and the ability to place emergency calls from a locked screen, the Cupertino-based company introduced a new way for drivers to stay safe on the road. Do Not Disturb While Driving, a feature that enables itself when a user connects to his vehicle's Bluetooth, blocks incoming calls and messages when a person is operating a moving vehicle. It can also automatically respond to callers, letting them know the recipient will reply after he's reached his destination. Safe driving mode is designed to prevent distraction-related accidents. Statistics show that texting and driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving, and reading a text message while driving distracts a person for at least five seconds. "In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers," the National Highway Safety Administration says. "During daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. That creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads."When an iPhone owner enables Do Not Disturb While Driving, it will automatically activate when paired to a vehicle's Bluetooth. Apple says that even if an iPhone isn't connected to a car's Bluetooth, the device can sense that it's inside a moving vehicle, and will turn on the feature. Passengers who aren't behind the wheel can disable it by clicking the "I'm not driving" button. Like the iPhone's Do Not Disturb function - "favorite" contacts can still reach the driver. To enable Do Not Disturb While Driving, go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls > Do Not Disturb While Driving.

CUPERTINO, Calif. —

Apple rolled out iOS 11 last week, bringing both minor changes and major tweaks to its latest operating system, available on devices as far back as the iPhone 5S.

Along with an updated Notes app and the ability to place emergency calls from a locked screen, the Cupertino-based company introduced a new way for drivers to stay safe on the road.

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Do Not Disturb While Driving, a feature that enables itself when a user connects to his vehicle's Bluetooth, blocks incoming calls and messages when a person is operating a moving vehicle. It can also automatically respond to callers, letting them know the recipient will reply after he's reached his destination.

Safe driving mode is designed to prevent distraction-related accidents. Statistics show that texting and driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving, and reading a text message while driving distracts a person for at least five seconds.

"In 2015 alone, 3,477 people were killed, and 391,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers," the National Highway Safety Administration says. "During daylight hours, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones while driving. That creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads."

When an iPhone owner enables Do Not Disturb While Driving, it will automatically activate when paired to a vehicle's Bluetooth.

Apple says that even if an iPhone isn't connected to a car's Bluetooth, the device can sense that it's inside a moving vehicle, and will turn on the feature. Passengers who aren't behind the wheel can disable it by clicking the "I'm not driving" button.

Like the iPhone's Do Not Disturb function - "favorite" contacts can still reach the driver.

To enable Do Not Disturb While Driving, go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls > Do Not Disturb While Driving.